Question #7520f

1 Answer
Nov 26, 2015

No isomers are possible with any of these examples.

Explanation:

  1. The silver ammine complex is linear, and cannot support isomerism. 2. 4. Likewise [Co(NH_3)_5NO_2]^(2+), and [Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^(2+), are octahedral ([ML_5X]) with no isomerism possible. 3. A square planar platinum(II) complex, i.e. ML_2X_2, would normally support cis/trans isomerism, however, here the ligand is ethylenediamine, a chelating ligand that must coordinate in a cis fashion, so only the cis isomer is possible.

Would [Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+ support isomerism? Why or why not?

Edited to add, [Co(NH_3)_5NO_2]^(2+), could possibly support linkage isomerism, should the nitro ligand coordinate through the N OR the O donor. This is an undergraduate treatment, and unsuitable for A level.